Maryland Negligent Security Attorney
Business owners are expected to take precautionary measures to ensure safety on their premises. Unfortunately, there are many incidents of negligent security which can result in serious injury. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries, speak with a trusted Maryland negligent security attorney today!
Understanding Negligent Security Under Maryland Law
Negligent security occurs when property owners do not take reasonable precautions to protect individuals who visit the business premises. These cases can be complex and involve both civil and criminal negligence. Civil aims to provide compensation to the victim and contains a lower burden of proof than criminal negligence.
Common Examples Of Negligent Security
Incidents of negligent security can occur in commonly visited public places. These include bars and nightclubs, apartments, shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants.
What Type of Injuries Are Involved in Negligent Security Cases?
Assault is a common issue that arises from negligent security. For example, if an individual is robbed and assaulted in a parking lot at night, there may be a valid case against the owner because they did not repair the defective security camera. In severe cases, negligent security can result in mortal injuries to the victim.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Negligent Security?
In a negligent security case, the defendant is often the business owner of the incident location.
Proving Negligent Security Claims in Maryland
There are a few elements that are pertinent and must be proven, which are duty of care, foreseeability of crime, causation and damages.
Establishing Duty of Care
Property owners are expected to follow a standard of care when operating their businesses. Often, these are specific security measures taken to prevent crime. Some examples of such measures are adequate lighting, video surveillance, security guards, etc. The gravity of these measures is dependent on the history and level of crime in the area.
Proving Foreseeability of Crime
Foreseeability is important when proving negligence because it shows that the lack of security wasn’t just a one-off accident. Your attorney might look at past police reports and complaints regarding the same security issue to prove the incident occurred because of negligence and not by chance.
Showing Causation and Damages
Causation is the final step in proving negligent security. Here’s an example: High Crime Area + Garage Without Proper Lighting = Robbery and Assault
What Damages Can You Recover in a Negligent Security Claim?
The most common type of damage is monetary. These can include medical bills, lost wages, and replacement of property. On the other hand, a person can also obtain damages for non-quantifiable elements such as emotional distress, pain and suffering. It is important to understand that each case is unique, and your JGL attorney will carefully evaluate your case to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Negligent Security Claim in Maryland?
According to Section 5-101 of the Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings, a civil action must be filed “within three years from the date it accrues.”
Speak With an Experienced Negligent Security Lawyer in Maryland
Negligent security is not a victimless crime. In fact, it can result in a life-altering experience for an individual. Obtaining justice is very important in these cases, and the attorneys at JGL can assist you in that pursuit. Don’t fight this alone. Contact our negligent security lawyers today for a free consultation!
